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CUTTING TOOL MATERIALS
Somta cutting tools are manufactured from the finest steel
available. The heat treatment process is controlled by our
Metallurgical laboratory using advanced computerised and
electronic instrumentation. High Speed Steel contains various
elements such as Molybdenum, Tungsten, Cobalt and Vanadium
and must be specially heat treated to produce the ideal
combination of strength, toughness and wear resistance.
SOMTAproducts are manufactured from one of the following High
Speed Steels depending on the product and application.
C Cr W Mo V Co Hardness (HRC)
M2 0.9 4 6 5 2 - 63 - 65
M35 0.9 4 6 5 2 5 64 - 66
M42 1.1 4 1.5 9.5 1 8 66 - 68.5(70)
M9V 1.25 4.2 3.5 8.5 3 - 64 - 66
M2 is the standard High Speed Steel and is used where toughness
is important, together with a good standard of wear resistance and
red hardness.
M35 is a development of M2 and contains 5% cobalt which gives
improved hardness, wear resistance and red hardness. It may be
used when cutting higher strength materials.
M42 can be heat treated to very high hardness levels of up to 70
HRC (1 000 HV) although normally a slightly lower figure will be
employed to retain toughness. This steel is ideal for machining higher
strengthmaterials andwork hardening alloys such as stainless steels,
nimonic alloys etc. Despite its high hardness, M42 has good
grindability characteristics due to lower vanadium content.
M9V material is mainly used in the manufacture of machine taps
because of its good wear resistance, good grinding capabilities, high
hardness and excellent toughness.
Cutting tools may shatter
eye protection should be worn
